2 research outputs found
In Search of Real Circumcision: Ritual Failure and Circumcision in Paul
This article applies the theoretical framework of āritual failureā, a sub-discipline of ritual criticism, to Paulās discussion of circumcision in his letter to the Galatians, Philippians and Romans. It is argued that the application of this theoretical perspective clariļ¬es the dynamics at stake and provides a new way of understanding the development in Paulās position regarding circumcision. There is movement from an attitude of strong propagation, by way of indifference and a subsequent attitude of rejection, to one of modiļ¬ed reintegration into Paulās thinking. At every turn of this development, ritual failure plays a pivotal role and functions as a catalyst for the development of Paulās theology